Mr. Ratburn, character on PBS's animated 'Arthur,' comes out as gay, gets married

By Gary Dinges gdinges@gatehousemedia.com

Tuesday

May 14, 2019 at 4:50 PMMay 14, 2019 at 4:50 PM

A prominent character on the long-running PBS children's program "Arthur" surprised viewers by revealing he's gay in an episode that aired Monday.

The show kicked off its 22nd season with Mr. Ratburn, Arthur's teacher, getting married to another man, according to CBS News.

Many were quick to applaud producers for the inclusion of an LGBT character.

Mr. Ratburn being gay is *my* Game of Thrones finale

(@salmattos)May 13, 2019

But some felt the move was inappropriate.

"The Arthur episode is but one recent example of children's programming attempting to normalize homosexuality," Church Militant wrote. "For example, the Nickelodeon's The Loud House recently announced they'll introduce the biracial same-sex parents of series character Clyde McBride."

It's not the first time, though, that "Arthur" has featured a gay character. CBS News says a 2005 episode featured a lesbian couple in Vermont.

To watch the episode in its entirety, click here.

1) Shoutout to Mr. Ratburn!

2) Arthur has been on TV forever. Season 22??https://t.co/27W8Xo1NhA

— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_)May 13, 2019

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.